Happy Dog Paddle Sports to launch from public parks

A new kayak and paddle board service will launch out of area parks starting this summer. 

Happy Dog Yoga Studio owner Rhonda Jones is starting a sister company called Happy Dog Paddle Sports. The company is a kayak and paddle board rental service, and will be available at Fort Gratiot County Park, North River Road Park and Lakeside Beach. 

"We're surrounded by all this water, so we want to help our residents and tourists to explore it," Jones said. 

Happy Dog Yoga Studio has offered paddle board lessons for about two years, launching from various locations in the county. 

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Rentals will be available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend and holidays rentals will be by appointment only from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. After 11 a.m., walk-up rentals will be available until 5 p.m.. 

"We're really hoping people get out early and see the sun come up," Jones said. 

The company is also looking into offering guided sightseeing paddle tours in the future, Jones said. Paddle boarding lessons are available by appointment. 

Happy Dog Paddle Sports' agreement with Fort Gratiot allows the business to operate out of North River Road Park in exchange for the business covering liability insurance for the township, Fort Gratiot Supervisor Jorja Baldwin said. Baldwin said it's a good way to help a local business as well as increase use of the park. 

"How can we make sure people can utilize the park to its fullest extent?" Baldwin said. 

For the company's deal with St. Clair County Parks and Recreation, the business agreed to pay a $100 fee to use the park, plus $1 per customer after the first 50 customers, St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Director Mark Brochu said. 

"We're interested in expanding the recreation options at our parks," Brochu said. "We look forward to a successful summer." 

The company also had to secure a vendor permit to operate out of Lakeside Beach. 

The service offers both tandem and solo rentals. Solo rentals cost $10 for a half hour, $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, $65 for 8 hours, $195 for five days and $225 for seven days. The service will operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Contact education reporter Jeremy Ervin at (810) 989-6276 or jervin@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErvinJeremy.